Ancient networks of the Caribbean: Interaction and Exchange across the Historical Divide

Summary

In this paper, we present multiple lines of evidence for the existence of interwoven and dynamic ancient networks in the Caribbean. This region is characterized by a long and unique history of social relationships between communities and peoples at various temporal and spatial scales. Through time, Caribbean networks of human mobility and the exchange of goods and ideas were shaped by expanding and contracting group territories, fission and fusion of local communities, and variable degrees of socio-political integration, all of which were important in defining forms of interaction. With the aid of inter-disciplinary approaches and new methods and techniques grand scale interaction networks have been revealed that were in place between 6000 BC and the time of colonial encounters from AD 1492 when they were exploited by the European colonizers. These enigmatic networks of the Caribbean were fundamental in the shaping of modern global society.

Cite this Record

Ancient networks of the Caribbean: Interaction and Exchange across the Historical Divide. Corinne Hofman. Presented at The 81st Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, Vancouver, British Columbia. 2017 ( tDAR id: 431405)